1 When France first claimed a part of North America, it was called New France. There were few French settlers at first. The fur trade was more important than making colonies.2 Samuel de Champlain began a colony. It was the first year-round settlement. He chose land where the St. Lawrence River narrowed. Champlain called it Quebec.3 The colony did not grow fast. Few people moved there. This made the king of France unhappy. He chose a company to help take more people to New France and bring back furs. It was called the Company of 100 Associates. They did not do a good job.4 Some of the French traders lived with the First Nations tribes. They married native women. Their children were called metis [MAY-tee]. It meant they were mixed race. Many grew up to be great fur traders.5 Life was not peaceful in Quebec. The Iroquois did not like the French people. They attacked the settlers when they could.6 The English also fought the French. They made friends with the Iroquois so they could fight the French together.7 In 1662, the Company of 100 Associates lost its power. Instead, the king's council was put in charge. The fur trade was not so rich then, and settlers were needed. Quebec and other colonies grew.8 Then the Seven Years War came. English general Wolfe brought ships and men to Quebec. The people in the fortress there thought they were safe. Then one morning, they woke up to see British troops almost on their doorstep.